Courtyard Conversion

Figure A (click to enlarge)

Steps:

1. When staining concrete, an acid-based stain is preferable to a water-based paint or stain because an acid-based stain will actually penetrate the concrete. Always be sure to practice safety when handling this product.

2. Clean the concrete slab with a pressure washer that can be rented at a local tool-rental store (figure A). The concrete surface must be clean. A new concrete slab should cure at least six weeks before staining. Allow the surface to dry completely before staining. Cover nearby plants and soil with plastic. After putting on safety gloves and glasses, mix a solution of baking soda and water and keep it close to you in case you get acid on your skin.

3. Fill the plastic spray container half-full with water. Shake the bottle of acid stain vigorously, then pour a matching amount of stain in the water. Close the lid and pump up the pressure.

Figure B (click to enlarge)

4. Hold the nozzle about 8 inches from the concrete surface, applying the mixture in random, circular, non-precise motions (figure B). You don't want to use a sweeping motion, which will leave dark, layered strips of color. Once the entire surface is covered, allow to dry, then apply a second coat. Be sure not to walk on the surface while it is damp.

5. Once the second coat is dry, sprinkle the entire surface with baking soda, mist lightly with water to get the surface damp, then scrub with a push broom and hose off (figure C). This will neutralize the acid.

Installing a Fountain

Materials and Tools:

quick-drying cement
bricks
pond liner
utility knife
recirculating pump and tubing
decorative urn
stones
plants

Figure D (click to enlarge)

Steps:

1. Turn a corner of your driveway or courtyard into a fountain. Start by spreading quick-drying cement on the concrete, then adding bricks to the cement to make a container for the fountain (figure D).

2. Once the cement has set, place a pond liner over the top of the bricks, concrete and soil. Next, build up stones around and in the liner, then trim off any excess liner. Make sure the liner is hidden.

Figure E (click to enlarge)

3. Add a small recirculating pump and tubing. Set the pump at the fountain base and route the hose through the stones. Attach the tubing to the pump and make sure the pump is in position (figure E).

Figure F (click to enlarge)

4. Place a decorative urn on the stones, routing the tubing through the bottom of the urn (figure F).

Figure G (click to enlarge)

With the urn in place, finish placing stones around the water feature (figure G). Surround the water feature with plants, add water to the basin and plug in the pump.

5. Be sure to utilize a pump filter and check the water level periodically so that the pump is pumping water and not air. If the fountain runs dry it will burn the pump.

Figure H (click to enlarge)

6. Once a fountain is installed and the stain has set, the look is warm and beautiful (figure H).